Zuma's Morocco visit sparks controversy over Western Sahara
Image: Independent Media
Former President Jacob Zuma's recent visit to Morocco has sparked controversy and divided opinions, with many calling it a "betrayal" of Western Sahara.
The discreet visit on July 15 came to light through social media posts from Moroccan officials and was confirmed by Youssef Amrani, the Moroccan ambassador to the US, on X.
During the trip, Zuma was photographed with Magasela Mzobe, Head of Presidency of the MK Party, and Moroccan officials, both South African and Moroccan flags prominently displayed.
This visit is seen as a significant shift regarding the Western Sahara conflict.
Critics argue that Zuma's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara marks a betrayal of the African Union's (AU) long-standing position advocating for Sahrawi self-determination.
Floyd Shivambu, former Secretary General of the MK Party, responded sharply, describing Zuma's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty as 'opportunistic' and a departure from the anti-colonial and revolutionary principles that underpin many liberation movements on the continent
The controversy deepened when Fikile Mbalula, the ANC's secretary general, publicly called Zuma a 'sellout' during a televised interview and reiterated his disapproval on social media.
The Pan African Forum Ltd and Associates chair, Dr David Nyekorach-Matsanga, issued a formal condemnation on Sunday, describing Zuma's stance as a 'betrayal of African solidarity' and a violation of the AU's principles.
'It dishonours the legacy of the late Muammar Gaddafi, a key defender of the Sahrawi cause, which is a recognised member state of the African Union, and its right to self-determination is protected under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,' read the statement.
In response, Dr Magasela Mzobe, head of the presidency in the MK Party, said nothing stops Zuma from visiting other African countries.
'President Zuma and the MKP officials will soon take MK members and supporters into confidence about this historic visit to Morocco. We don't owe the ANC, DA, or any organisation answers but MKP members. The ANC doesn't speak on behalf of SA on international matters.'
Meanwhile, Zuma's previous support for the Sahrawi cause as President of South Africa was well-documented, including meetings with Sahrawi leader Brahim Ghali.
Critics now question whether this visit signals a significant policy shift within the MK party or a personal diplomatic move.
Political analyst Joe Mhlanga expressed concern about the internal discord within the MK Party, highlighting ongoing internal struggles and leadership issues.
'The party appears to lack a clear direction; this flip-flopping on key issues like Western Sahara undermines their credibility and raises questions about their stance on international justice.'
'This is not different from supporting Israel over Palestine, because history reminds us that Morocco is the oppressor who continues to illegally occupy the Western Sahara, which is still under occupation," said Mhlanga.
The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity.
'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles, South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule." Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
18 minutes ago
- The South African
Newspaper headlines from around the world - Friday, 25 July 2025
A bundle of newspapers on the table. Image: The South African/CANVA Here are the stories that made headlines on the front pages of newspapers worldwide on Friday, 25 July 2025. The New York Times front page reported that the EU finds unity in a common antagonist. The Washington Post reported that deaths are rising as Gazans face starvation. The Jerusalem Post's front page reported that eight soldiers were wounded in a car-ramming attack in Kfar Yona. China Daily's front page reported that the EU has been urged to make the right choices. The Daily Mail's front page reported that Wes Streeting criticised the leaders of today's striking doctors last night, whose five-day walkout is expected to inflict 'untold misery' on patients. The Guardian's front page reported: ' Let aid in,' pleads UN chief, as even his staff faint from hunger in Gaza. If you wish to stay up-to-date – for FREE – on the latest international and South African news, then bookmark The South African website for all that plus the latest in the world of finance, sport, lifestyle – and more. Did we mention it was 100% free to read …?
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
MK Party's budget vote confusion in National Assembly
MK Party chief whip Colleen Makhubele blamed their initial support for the Budget to mistaking the vote for the Ad Hoc Committee that will probe the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Drama played out during the adoption of the Budget in the National Assembly this week when the MK Party supported the Appropriation Bill only to change its vote despite rejecting every departmental budget. The party's chief whip Colleen Makhubele blamed the confusion on mistakenly casting their vote for the Ad Hoc Committee that was established to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during the marathon session. The unexpected vote of the official opposition unfolded soon after all the 42 schedules were agreed to. House chairperson Cedric Frolick had asked the National Assembly Secretary to read the Fifth Order, which was the next to be considered on the agenda after the schedule of vote of department. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Frolick then immediately corrected himself that it was going to be the time for Fourth Order, which was meant to agree on the Appropriation Bill after consultation with the officials. The EFF was the first to object and called for the division, a move that led to Makhubele accusing Frolick of not recognising her hand first. When the voting took place, the ANC voted in favour with 140 votes, followed by the support of the DA with 74 in support and then MK Party supporting with 49. The EFF voted against with 35. When Frolick asked Makhubele to clarify her party's vote, she said: '49 in support.' ACDP chief whip Steven Swart suggested that there might be confusion on which item that was being dealt. In response, Frolick said he had been explicit that they were dealing with the Fourth Order. 'I followed the procedure and the EFF was the last one to indicate and now I am with the IFP,' he said. Voting by other parties continued with the Patriotic Alliance. Its chief whip Marlon Daniels said his party 'follows the lead of MK Party with eight votes in support'. After the voting session had closed, Makhubele stated that she had mistakenly thought that they were dealing with the Ad Hoc Committee. 'We are changing our vote. We will support the Ad Hoc committee when it comes. That was confusion,' Makhubele added. Frolick agreed that there was confusion in terms of the MK Party's vote. 'The party has now changed the vote three times. What is your final position?' he enquired. In response Makhubele said: 'I am just a new chief. I will make errors so relax. We are voting against this.' DA chief whip George Michalakis said the parliamentary rules did not provide once the voting has closed for parties to change their vote. 'That will be highly irregular to allow parties to change their vote once a vote has closed,' Michalakis said. But, Frolick blamed the confusion on the disorderly conduct that was taking place in the House. 'I called the member on more than one occasion to vote in a particular manner.' He then announced the results that the Second Reading of the Appropriation bill was agreed to with 256 in favour and the MK Party's votes included among the 87 that voted against. 'No abstention and the Second Reading is agreed to,' Frolick said, adding the bill was to be sent to the national Council of Provinces for concurrence. He maintained that even if there was a rerun of the vote, it would not make a material difference on the outcome. Frolick stood his ground when EFF leader Julius Malema maintained that he made a bad judgement because he set a wrong precedent. 'You ruled in our favour but that was not in line. You are making this process to have a problem of legitimacy and credibility. This has to be the most respected process that you don't make the mistake,' said Malema, referring to Frolick when he overruled the MK Party when it was outsmarted by the EFF earlier in objecting and calling for division on the schedule of all the votes. Frolick was unmoved, saying there would no material difference to outcome of the vote. 'The majority voted in support of the Second Reading,' he said. Cape Times
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- TimesLIVE
G20 SA 2025: a defining moment for the nation and the continent
Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for SA to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind,' says President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and on the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce SA's commitment to multilateralism and global co-operation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on SA not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Leader's Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for SA to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe.
